Latest news with #SijilTinggiPersekolahanMalaysia
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Form 6 a competitive pathway, not 'second-class', says Fadhlina
NIBONG TEBAL: The Education Ministry remains committed to making Form 6 one of the top choices for students pursuing studies after the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the rebranding of Form 6 is a strategic effort aligned with the aspirations of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013–2025, aimed at strengthening a post-secondary pathway that is inclusive and competitive. "Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) is not a second-class pathway. "In fact, it is on par with international programmes such as Cambridge and is recognised by more than 2,000 universities worldwide. "This is our commitment to ensuring that every Malaysian child has access to high-quality, high-impact education that can take them to the global stage," she said at the launch of the sponsorship programme. To ensure continuity and equitable access to education, the government is also extending the Early Schooling Assistance (BAP) to Form 6 students starting in 2025, she said. She said more than 100,000 Form 6 students have benefited from this initiative, with a total allocation of RM15 million. "In the same spirit, we warmly welcome the STPM Student Scholarship Programme initiative by Farm Fresh Bhd, a form of corporate social responsibility that genuinely addresses the current needs of our Form 6 students." The STPM Student Scholarship Programme targets Form 6 students from low-income B40 families, providing cash assistance of RM100 per month from May to December 2025. A total of 500 students from 10 states in Peninsular Malaysia have been identified as initial recipients. Fadhlina said between 70 and 80 per cent of the selected students are from the B40 group. "I have been informed that this programme will continue until 2029, with a total estimated expenditure reaching RM2.8 million. "This is a significant commitment that we truly appreciate and welcome," she added.
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: TVET charting new heights
A skilled technician from a humble background in Kuala Lumpur found a niche servicing air-conditioners in affluent areas, charging hundreds of ringgit for a house call. The technician is available any time of the week, sometimes within hours of an urgent summon. Typically, the technician services five to 10 air-conditioners at an average of RM170 per unit, often in only three homes. The technician first honed his skills as a company employee, earning at most RM3,500, but since becoming a free agent and forming his own company, his earnings have quadrupled, providing him with staff, a nice home and a gleaming new SUV on top of his work van. This technician is among the many blue-collar workers who have taken their craft to the next level, directly competing with more desirable academic qualifications. His success mirrors the growing value of vocational training and apprenticeship in a blue-collar environment. The blue-collar general worker's average monthly salary is RM1,712, but they can command better wages in cities. For example, RM2,071 in Johor Baru and RM1,856 to RM4,000 in Kuala Lumpur. While Malaysians often avoid menial labour, they are inclined to work as an electrician, mechanic, plumber, carpenter, bricklayer, plumber or operate specialised heavy machinery. It is gratifying that the blue-collar community is finally catching up in wages and fees. The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Policy 2030 launched in 2024 confirms this wage growth, producing skilled workers who earn salaries that match or surpass their academically-inclined peers. Malaysian Skills Certificate Level 3 holders consistently earn more or the same as holders of Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia. TVET diploma holders also saw stronger wage growth. From 2012 to 2022, their median starting salary saw a 14 per cent spike, compared with just two per cent for diploma holders. As Malaysia's industrial and consumer base grew in the last four decades, crucial blue-collar work has flourished too, particularly in the private sector. Still, blue-collar work's future will be shaped by automation and the digital economy's evolving demands. The government's response is to step up upskilling and reskilling programmes to help workers adapt to changing job requirements and environments. As Malaysia's economy grows, manufacturing, construction and, yes, households, are expected to create more skilled and lucrative blue-collar opportunities. The gig economy, like the one embraced by the technician, allows flexible work opportunities resistant to the vagaries of automation and artificial intelligence. As long as TVET grows and workers update their skills and knowledge, blue-collar work may one day become primary careers that can secure handsome incomes, bridge skills gaps and reduce poverty, as exemplified by the successful air-conditioner technician.
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Negeri Sembilan adds RM150k to aid STPM, STAM students
SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan government has allocated an additional RM150,000, to support and empower students sitting for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) examinations. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said that the additional allocation - RM100,000 for STPM students and RM50,000 for STAM students - will be channelled through various initiatives, including teacher empowerment programmes and the implementation of community tuition classes at selected schools, to ensure that no student is left behind. 'This will contribute to improving education across the state through community tuition, which in turn helps enhance student excellence,' he told reporters after attending the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Academic Excellence Awards ceremony, here, today. As for SPM students, the state government has allocated RM500,000 last year to ensure excellence in the examination through various initiatives, including providing tuition and strengthening the teachers involved in SPM subjects. He added that, to maintain the high standard of education in the state, Yayasan Negeri Sembilan has taken the initiative to implement seven programmes aimed at strengthening SPM elective subjects, which are expected to improve the SPM State Average Grade next year. He said that these programmes were carefully planned, to ensure that both students and teachers received optimal support in preparing for the 2025 SPM examination, particularly in elective subjects, which require a specialised approach. In a separate matter, Aminuddin said that the state government would address the stray dog issue in accordance with the laws and procedures set by the local authorities (PBT). 'We will identify areas with stray dogs, capture them, and keep them at a designated location for a period. During this time, individuals or NGOs can adopt them; otherwise, they will be disposed of according to established procedures,' he said. He was responding to questions about the method of disposing of stray dogs, which had previously sparked strong opposition from various groups. The Port Dickson MP also said that the state government had previously provided land to NGOs to manage and spay stray dogs, but this initiative was seen as ineffective, with the number of stray dogs continuing to rise, especially in housing estates.
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
N. Sembilan allocates RM150,000 for STPM, STAM students
SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan government has allocated an additional RM150,000, to support and empower students sitting for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) examinations. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said that the additional allocation - RM100,000 for STPM students and RM50,000 for STAM students - will be channelled through various initiatives, including teacher empowerment programmes and the implementation of community tuition classes at selected schools, to ensure that no student is left behind. 'This will contribute to improving education across the state through community tuition, which in turn helps enhance student excellence,' he told reporters after attending the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Academic Excellence Awards ceremony, here, today. As for SPM students, the state government has allocated RM500,000 last year to ensure excellence in the examination through various initiatives, including providing tuition and strengthening the teachers involved in SPM subjects. He added that, to maintain the high standard of education in the state, Yayasan Negeri Sembilan has taken the initiative to implement seven programmes aimed at strengthening SPM elective subjects, which are expected to improve the SPM State Average Grade next year. He said that these programmes were carefully planned, to ensure that both students and teachers received optimal support in preparing for the 2025 SPM examination, particularly in elective subjects, which require a specialised approach. In a separate matter, Aminuddin said that the state government would address the stray dog issue in accordance with the laws and procedures set by the local authorities (PBT). 'We will identify areas with stray dogs, capture them, and keep them at a designated location for a period. During this time, individuals or NGOs can adopt them; otherwise, they will be disposed of according to established procedures,' he said. He was responding to questions about the method of disposing of stray dogs, which had previously sparked strong opposition from various groups. The Port Dickson MP also said that the state government had previously provided land to NGOs to manage and spay stray dogs, but this initiative was seen as ineffective, with the number of stray dogs continuing to rise, especially in housing estates.
The Star
27-04-2025
- Health
- The Star
Woman determined to sit for SPM to pursue medical dream
SHAH ALAM: A 36-year-old woman is determined to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam this year to fulfil her dream of entering the medical field. Entrepreneur Rusni Shafiya Ruslan said she is taking three subjects from the Pure Science stream for the exam, including Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. She said support from family and friends motivates her to pursue becoming a doctor, despite nearing her 40s. 'My mother chuckled when I said I wanted to retake the SPM, but my sister, surgeon Dr Nur Hanisa Ruslan, has been a great inspiration." "My friends in the medical field also share their career stories, sparking my interest in hospital life and the medical world in general,' she said to Sinar Ahad. Rusni Shafiya, from Kluang, Johor, said she has been interested in this field since childhood. However, as a mother of three, she had to abandon her ambitions due to financial constraints and family commitments at that time. 'This year, I've decided to try again. Now, I focus on retaking essential SPM subjects like Biology, Physics, and Chemistry." "My plan is to continue to university foundation programmes afterwards. I prefer this over Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) as it is more intensive and closer to university learning environments." "If all goes well, I estimate it will take six years to complete my medical studies,' she said. Commenting on her desired career path, Rusni Shafiya said she has no specific plans yet. 'I have a slight inclination towards Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) or Paediatrics. However, I am open to exploring other fields during my studies." 'I believe with effort and support, my dream can become a reality, God willing,' she added.
